The Unwavering Voice Of Pittsylvania County: 5 Things You Didn't Know About The Chatham Star-Tribune

In an era where local journalism often struggles, The Chatham Star-Tribune stands as a powerful testament to the enduring necessity of hyper-local news. As of December 14, 2025, this weekly, family-owned institution continues to be the definitive source of record for the historic town of Chatham, Virginia, and the broader Pittsylvania County community. Far more than just a newspaper, the *Star-Tribune* is a vital civic thread, linking residents to their local government, schools, historical narrative, and each other, maintaining a commitment to factual, community-focused reporting that defines its unique legacy.

Published every Wednesday, the paper reaches an estimated 25,000 readers weekly, a remarkable figure for a regional publication. Its continued success is rooted in a deep, multi-generational commitment to the area, ensuring that news from the Town Council, school board achievements, and local non-profit initiatives—the true heart of community life—never goes uncovered. This is the story of the paper that connects Danville to Hurt, and Gretna to Chatham itself.

The Chatham Star-Tribune: A Full Profile and Current Leadership

The *Chatham Star-Tribune* is the premier community newspaper serving the town of Chatham and the entirety of Pittsylvania County, Virginia. Its coverage extends to surrounding areas, including Danville, Gretna, and Hurt, making it an essential resource for Southside Virginia. The paper is known for its straightforward, factual reporting, focusing almost exclusively on local government, education, community events, and human interest stories, avoiding the partisan bias often found in larger media markets.

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• Type: Community Newspaper
• Frequency: Weekly (Published every Wednesday)
• Headquarters: 28 North Main Street, Chatham, VA 24531
• Owner: Womack Publishing Company
• Publisher: Charles Womack (The Womack family continues its legacy in the company)
• Current Editor: Davin Wilson
• Estimated Readership: Approximately 25,000 weekly
• Key Coverage Areas: Pittsylvania County, Chatham, Danville, Gretna, Hurt

The leadership of the *Star-Tribune* has recently seen a significant transition, reinforcing its commitment to high-quality local journalism. In a move that highlights the paper’s dedication to editorial excellence, Davin Wilson was hired as the new editor, with his first day of work beginning in July. Wilson, an award-winning sportswriter and journalist, took the reins to lead the newsroom, succeeding previous editorial staff like Bobby Allen Roach. This change signals a fresh perspective while maintaining the paper’s core mission of serving the local populace.

The Enduring Legacy of Womack Publishing and Its Historical Roots

The history of the *Chatham Star-Tribune* is deeply intertwined with the story of American community journalism and the influential Womack Publishing Company. Headquartered in Chatham, Womack Publishing is a privately held, family-owned media business that operates a chain of community newspapers and specialty publications across the region.

The foundation of this media empire was laid by H. Lynn Womack (1923–1985), a dedicated publisher whose ventures extended beyond newspapers to include Guild Press and various mail-order distribution clubs. The publishing company’s regional reach expanded significantly over the decades, launching papers like the *Gretna Gazette* in 1974 and purchasing others, cementing its role as a key media player in Southside Virginia.

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The *Chatham Star-Tribune* itself is the product of a historic local newspaper merger. It was formed by the combination of two long-standing local papers: the *Tribune* and the *Star*. This merger solidified a single, unified voice for the community, a tradition exemplified by figures like Tunstall-Hargrave, who had a record-setting 51-year editorial run with the local *Tribune*, the *Star*, and the subsequent *merged Star-Tribune*. The paper's roots trace back to a time when it was a primary source for historical notes on Pittsylvania County, with archival records confirming its existence as far back as the mid-20th century.

Fresh Coverage: What The Star-Tribune is Reporting Right Now

The strength of the *Chatham Star-Tribune* lies in its ability to capture the pulse of Pittsylvania County with timely and relevant local news. The paper’s recent coverage, even in late 2024 and throughout 2025, demonstrates its focus on the most impactful community entities and events.

Focus on Education and Community Development

The *Star-Tribune* consistently highlights major local achievements and philanthropic efforts. For instance, the paper has recently featured stories detailing the successes of Averett University equestrian teams, celebrating their strong showings at competitions. These stories not only showcase local talent but also underline the paper's role as a cheerleader for regional institutions. Furthermore, the paper provides essential coverage of local grants and funding, such as the significant $201,350 grant received by the Chatham Rotary Foundation from a local trust to advance community projects. This type of reporting ensures transparency and keeps the public informed on how local funds are being utilized.

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Dedicated Local History and Government Reporting

The paper’s commitment to its heritage is evident in its recurring historical segments. A popular feature is the weekly segment by Kyle Griffith, which delves into obscure local history, with articles like "Danville in 1892: Bygone Businesses" appearing in recent 2025 editions. This content creates a valuable bridge between the county’s past and present residents.

In terms of civic engagement, the *Star-Tribune* remains the primary watchdog for local politics, covering the often-complex decisions of the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors and the Chatham Town Council. Reporting on local elections, budget approvals, and public works projects ensures that the democratic process remains accessible and accountable to the citizens of Chatham and its surrounding areas.

The Importance of Local Advertising and Business

As a family-owned entity, the *Star-Tribune* is also a critical platform for local commerce. Its pages are filled with advertisements from small businesses in Chatham and Danville, ranging from local law firms and real estate agents to community churches and general services. This symbiotic relationship between the newspaper and local businesses is a cornerstone of the regional economy, providing essential revenue for the paper while giving local enterprises a trusted medium to reach their customer base of 25,000 readers. The paper’s physical address on 28 North Main Street serves as a recognizable hub for local interaction and community engagement.

In conclusion, the *Chatham Star-Tribune* is much more than a collection of weekly newsprint. It is a historical record, a civic forum, and a vital economic engine for Pittsylvania County. Through its deep roots with the Womack Publishing Company, its commitment to factual, non-partisan reporting, and its ability to consistently deliver fresh, hyper-local stories from Davin Wilson's newsroom, the paper continues to prove that community journalism is not just surviving, but thriving in Virginia.